GM Components Holdings’ Kokomo Site Successfully Goes Green

Kokomo, IN – The electronics manufacturing personnel of General Motors Components Holdings, LLC set a challenge for themselves early last year to achieve Zero Landfill status at their Kokomo facility. Their objectives and efforts were rewarded in January. The team of over 1000 employees was able to accomplish this massive environmental transformation at the site in only eight months, four months sooner than they had anticipated at the onset.

“Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” has been the overriding theme within Kokomo Operations during the past year. “The team at Kokomo Operations has embraced this mission knowing that their hard work is reaping dividends not only for the site but for the community and environment in which we live.” stated Derrick Parson, Zero Landfill champion and operations manager for the site’s semiconductor operations.

In January of 2010 the site was generating 80 to 110 tons of waste monthly through its electronics manufacturing operations from forty-two different sources. This was all waste that was being disposed of primarily in a landfill. As of today, there is none.

The organization initially took steps to identify the sources of various forms of waste and the associated waste streams. After the sources were identified, the workforce then focused on sorting the wastes into individual recycling stations. Within the local community the team took initiative to find ways in which the material could be put to good use or recycled. Through local outreach the site was able to convert the waste generated from the forty-two sources and convert that into sixty recyclable commodities generating income of $70,000 annually.

“Not only are we helping the local environment and other businesses within the community, but we are also able to turn our trash into cash in some instances as an additional benefit” said purchasing manager, Greg Schwandt.

The culture within the facility has seen a strong shift over the past twelve months and the workforce is continuing to refine its environmental processes and continuing to find new ways to reduce the amount of waste and by-products being generated. The team’s green journey is also expanding beyond its own walls by looking upstream to reduce the amount of incoming non-value added materials in the form of packaging and boxes being shipped to its facility from a multitude of suppliers. While the business has been successful in transitioning its own organization, it is now looking outward within the community of Kokomo to assist other local organizations in making “Going Green” a priority.

About GMCH, LLC Kokomo Operations
General Motors Components Holdings, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors. Its Kokomo Operations electronics manufacturing center consists of Kokomo Semiconductors, Kokomo Thick Film Printing and Kokomo Electronic Assembly. These three synergistic business units provide a comprehensive range of Electronic Manufacturing Services for high-reliability applications. To learn more visit www.kokomogmch.com.